Best Organic Mattress

Other Organic Mattresses We Tested

While these mattresses didn’t make our list, each of these organic beds are great fits for eco-conscious shoppers. Check out our featured recommendations below.

PlushBeds Botanical Bliss	Eco Terra Mattress
Sealy Natural Hybrid Mattress	Latex For Less Organic Mattress

What Is an Organic Mattress?

An organic mattress uses organic materials in its construction, such as organic latex, wool, and cotton. It should be manufactured without certain chemicals and without most pesticides.

Different materials have different standards for attaining organic status. Organic cotton, for example, cannot contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organic wool must be derived from sheep that graze on pesticide-free pastures. As for latex, the rubber trees that provide the necessary sap have to be grown and harvested on plantations compliant with USDA organic regulations. 

There’s no official way for a mattress to earn the “organic” label. That’s why it’s important to look into the makeup of a mattress you’re researching. Keep an eye out for certain certifications (more on those below) and be aware that there are subtle differences between them.

Can a Mattress Be Certified As Organic?

No. Currently, there’s no prominent organization that can holistically certify an entire mattress as organic.

When a mattress is marketed as organic, it usually means that certain materials inside it are certified as organic by a legitimate third-party organization.

Most commonly, these materials will be textiles certified by GOTS, such as organic wool and organic cotton, and/or latex foam certified by GOLS.

What to Look for in an Organic Mattress

When shopping for an organic mattress, it is important to consider that it is basically impossible to purchase a completely organic mattress. This is because some of the materials used in mattress construction, such as adhesives and hardware, can’t yet be manufactured to organic certification standards. 

However, plenty of beds are made mostly of organic and sustainable materials that are void of pesticides and chemicals. Along with the materials, though, you should consider other important mattress qualities that can influence your experience with a mattress and whether it’s the right fit for your sleep style.

Advice from a Medical Expert

We reached out to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, who has over 20 years of experience in the medical field, to see his thoughts on what key qualities people should look for in an organic mattress.

“When you’re looking into organic mattresses, keep an eye out for legitimate certifications from trusted agencies, natural materials, no harmful chemicals, comfort and support, durability, breathability, and consider the price to make sure you’re getting a healthier and eco-friendly option.”

Type of Mattress 

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses contain coils that provide support and bounce. These beds have been around the longest, so they’re considered a more traditional mattress style.

Innerspring mattresses may either contain interconnected coils that move together or pocketed coils that move more independently of one another for better motion isolation. The advantages of innerspring beds include a lower price tag, more bounce, and better airflow. However, these can sometimes break down more quickly and don’t offer as much pressure relief since they don’t have thicker foam layering.

Learn More: Top-Rated Innerspring Mattress

Hybrid Mattresses

As the name implies, a hybrid just means a combination of foam and innerspring designs. Typically, high-quality hybrid mattresses are known for providing the best features of both types of mattresses. For example, you get the soft, contouring properties of memory foam with the support and durability of a spring mattress.

Perhaps most notable is that you get more motion isolation because of the foam on the top (and sometimes the base layer as well). For people who sleep with a partner, you may want to have a top layer of foam to isolate their movements better. Otherwise, every time that person moves, it will create movement on your side of the bed that is bound to wake you up.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam is that magical material that allows you to place your hand imprint on the surface, and you can watch as the outline is still there. It is known for its contouring capabilities, meaning that when you lie down, the heavier parts of your body sink in and cradle you in all the right places. Memory foam’s soft, squishy surface results in one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in terms of bedding.

However, memory foam is not a perfect solution for everyone. For one thing, it can tend to sleep hot because your body sinks into the surface, prohibiting airflow. Another issue is that memory foam is not natural or organic. In recent years, the demand for natural and non-toxic materials has inspired manufacturers to blend their beds with plant-based foams.

If you’re in the market for a bed made out of memory foam, check for certifications as beds made by less reputable manufacturers may contain flame retardants that make them ineligible for basic certifications.

Latex Mattresses

There are two general types of latex: natural, which is made from the sap of a rubber tree, and synthetic, which is petroleum-based. If you’re looking for a natural, chemical-free bed, you’ll want to look specifically for natural latex.

Whether it’s natural or synthetic, there are also two different types of processes that can be used to manufacture latex: Talalay or Dunlop.

In both processes, liquid latex is poured into a mold for freezing and setting. However, the Talalay process involves an extra step in which air cavities are left inside that are later vacuumed with air. The result is superior heat transfer, meaning you won’t get as hot when you sleep, but the tradeoff is less durability and usually a higher price.

Dunlop latex is an easier and simpler manufacturing process. The sap is placed in the mold, put in the vulcanization oven, and treated in much the same way, minus the vacuum process. As a result, it’s a less expensive and more environmentally friendly product.

You may occasionally see blended latex products that combine both natural and synthetic materials.

Other Considerations When Shopping for an Organic Mattress

Construction & Materials

Many eco-friendly beds will have a combination of natural latex with either a wool or cotton cover. Sometimes you’ll find both wool and cotton. 

Wool is common because the sheep’s fur is covered with a natural wax-like substance that creates a moisture barrier that can help keep you cool.

More often than not, you’ll also find organic cotton. It’s naturally breathable and absorbs moisture.

Some natural beds also use a coil construction of premium metals that are often recycled for a sustainable and eco-friendly product.

Certifications

We recommend always checking which certifications a mattress has but also use some healthy skepticism. For example, if something is certified as organic, is it the entire bed or just a certain layer?

Also, keep in mind that not all certifications apply to all products. An example of this is the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), which only applies to mattresses made from latex, not other materials.

A final thing to look for when it comes to certifications is an expiration date. Just like elevators require constant inspections to ensure safety, organic certifications must be renewed, often yearly. If a certification is expired, it could mean that the company originally used organic materials and then switched to non-organic inputs.

Sleeping Position 

You should consider the position you sleep in when purchasing a mattress. This is because different positions respond better to different materials and firmness levels. 

Side sleepers typically rest best on soft to medium-firm mattresses. These sleepers should look for a mattress with enough plushness to gently contour around the hips and shoulders and enough firmness to support overall spinal alignment.

If you prefer to sleep on your stomach, you will likely want a reasonably firm mattress to keep your hips elevated. If the midsection is allowed to sink too far into the mattress, it can put the spine in an awkward and uncomfortable position. Firm mattresses will help keep stomach sleepers lifted and aligned.

Back sleepers usually need the solid support of a medium-firm mattress. They should also consider beds that relieve pressure, particularly around the lower back. 

Sleepers who change positions throughout the night typically need a versatile and adaptable mattress. These sleepers may gravitate towards medium-firm latex or hybrid mattresses that support them while being responsive enough for frequent movements. 

Explore: Best Medium-Firm Mattresses

Weight/Body Type of Sleepers 

How much you weigh can considerably impact the type of mattress that works best for you. 

Lighter people generally prefer soft, plush beds that gently contour around their bodies and provide ample pressure relief. This type of bed allows them to sink further into their mattress and avoid the pressure buildup that happens when lightweight sleepers sleep on firmer beds and bear all their weight on the small joints of the body.

Average-weight sleepers, which are those between 130 and 230 pounds, usually need a bed in the middle of the firmness scale. These mattresses provide support and comfort by keeping sleepers’ spines aligned while also delivering pressure relief. 

A firm, durable mattress will likely serve you best if you’re a heavyweight sleeper. Heavier people can push through the layers of a soft mattress too quickly, which can cause pressure buildup and an awkward spinal alignment.  

Learn More: Best Mattress for Petite Sleepers and Best Mattress for Heavy People

Firmness 

Whether a mattress is on the natural or synthetic spectrum, you should be able to find the ideal firmness level. The firmness of a bed refers to how hard or soft it feels when you lie on it. We rate mattress firmness on a 1 through 10 scale, in which 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. Most beds fall within the medium to medium-firm range, though some are slightly softer or firmer than this. 

When it comes to eco-friendly latex, Dunlop latex is often more firm than Talalay, which may influence the overall feel of a mattress. In the event your mattress ends up being too hard, you can always get an organic mattress topper to soften things up for you.

Read More: Mattress Firmness Guide

Cooling 

Memory foam beds are typically the warmest. This dense material has tiny pores that trap air, which can allow heat to build up. However, many manufacturers have heeded the heat complaints, and new memory foam models are often made with cooling gels or other alternative cooling features. 

Motion Isolation

A mattress’s ability to absorb motion is essential for couples and co-sleepers. If a bed doesn’t isolate the motion made by a sleeper’s tossing or turning, it may disturb their partner. 

Memory foam is usually best at this because it absorbs motion well, but it’s also not the most eco-friendly option compared to organic or natural latex. If you want to stick with memory foam for its motion isolation, look for memory foam beds that are CertiPUR-US®, as these are going to be safer and more environmentally friendly. 

If you and your partner want a bed with coils, avoid traditional innerspring beds and instead go with a hybrid with pocketed coils as these are better for motion isolation.

Sex 

Sexually active couples are likely to enjoy beds that are responsive and bouncy. These characteristics allow for easier movement and repositioning so that you and your partner won’t feel stuck in the mattress. Coils, like the ones found in innerspring and hybrid mattresses, can provide buoyancy, and latex mattresses typically have excellent responsiveness. Shop the best beds for sex here.

Pressure Relief 

Body parts, such as the shoulders, lower back, and hips, that come in contact with the mattress throughout the night can often experience pressure buildup. Mattresses that relieve pressure well typically have materials that can cushion and contour the sleeper’s curves so that pressure doesn’t accumulate. 

Memory foam is renowned for this, but latex is no slouch either, especially softer Talalay latex. Pressure relief is important for all sleepers, but it’s especially vital for side sleepers since their weight accumulates in a smaller area.

Find more mattresses for pressure relief.

Edge Support

Budget 

Setting a budget you’re comfortable with should be one of the first steps you take when mattress shopping. This will allow you to narrow down your choices, and it may prevent unnecessary financial stress. It should be noted that organic mattresses are typically more expensive than ones made with synthetic materials. However, there are still plenty of affordable options in this category.

Also, cheaper mattresses don’t necessarily mean they are inferior products. With direct-to-consumer trends, many high-end beds now come at a lower cost.  To help you save money, we recommend shopping during major sales holidays since companies will cut mattress prices even more. 

Explore our picks for high-quality budget mattresses.